Phones will officially be out of service for students in July 2026 due to a state-wide law (AB 3216, the phone-free act). This law was signed on September 23rd of 2024 but will not go into effect until July 1st of 2026.
How did we get here? In 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the AB 272 law stating that schools will have the authority to regulate student cell phone use during the school day. This law is understandable from an adult’s perspective: Limiting phone use minimizes distractions for students who are living in a generation of instant dopamine from swipes and likes. Not only will controlling phone use allow students to focus on schoolwork, it can also improve student mental health.
In fact, mental health is one of the driving forces for this law. Lawmakers such as assemblyman Josh Hoover, assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, and state superintendent of public instruction Tony Thurmond have cited research that explains how excessive cell phone use has increased anxiety and depression among students. Thurmond clarified that “AB 3216 represents an important opportunity to address the mental health of our students by restricting smartphones in schools.” Although politicians intend to support student well-being by limiting phone use, students who will soon witness this change carry mixed opinions.
Samantha Trang (9) understands Governor Newsom’s logic, but still believes phones can come in handy at school: “I acknowledge what our governor wants to do, yet sometimes we may need our phones for school related activities which makes this law feel unnecessary.” In contrast, Leah Sullivan (9) fully supports the Governor’s decision as it will compel students to physically interact with their peers at school instead. She shares that, “I’ve taken good notice that in every single one of my classes, a few students are on their phones. After hearing about this law, I’m very grateful that our government did something about it.”
Despite polarized opinions on the phone-free act, we can all agree on one point: This act will significantly change how schools approach cell phone use. Only the coming years will reveal whether limiting phone usage helps student mental health, attention spans, and academic performance.
